Undergraduate Teaching
This includes both the dental students and the oral hygiene students. The dental students have a five year programme which they learn about the social determinants of health, primary health care, health promotion, epidemiology, implementation of a research project and also some management skills.
The oral hygiene students are involved in a three year bachelors programme geared towards the prevention of oral disease and promotion of oral health and well-being of individuals in socio-economically diverse communities. The programme develops clinical techniques, management and research skills.
The Department's undergraduate teaching is intergrated with Community Based teaching at outreach sites.
BDS 1(COMD 1000) - The first years concentrate on learning about the fundamentals of Primary Health Care, the Social Determinants of Health, Oral Disease Prevention and Dental Indices.In addition the students are exposed to Early Childhood Development centres whereby the conduct situation analysis, measure oral diseases and provide oral health education.
BDS 2(COMD 2002) - The content of the course is concentrated on Principles of Health Promotion and Theories of Behavioural Change. The students prepare and provide general oral health promotional messages to High School pupils at outreach sites.
BDS 3(COMD 3001) - The course includes the following topics;Research Methodology,Study Designs and Protocol Development. The students are expected to present their final protocols to the entire School staff and students.
BDS 4(COMD 4001) - The topics in fourth year include Oral Epidemiology and Fundamentals of Bio-statistics. The students are expected to undertake and complete a research project.
BDS 5(COMD 5001) - The final year is centered around Community Based Clinical Teaching. The students treat patients at various outreach sites and have an opportunity to travel to rural communities with the Phelophepa train. The theory based teaching in 5th year is a culmination of everything learnt from BDS 1-BDS 4.
Co-ordinator: Dr Maphefo Thekiso
Tel:(011)717-2240
Email: Maphefo.Thekiso@wits.ac.za